I can't decide if to buy Gaggia Classic (~350 USD in Czechia at the moment, a sale, usually its more expensive) or one of its cheaper, newer and all-plastic alternatives (Gaggia New Dose/Espresso Pure (~225 USD), Gaggia Evolution (~260 USD), Gaggia New Color (~250 USD)...). If I understand it correctly, they should be all the same on the inside, so the only difference is Classic has partly metal chasing (which I like) but less space for cups (which I dislike) and non-detachable water tank (which I'm indifferent to).

(I want to for a few cups a day coffee preparation and I don't care about its 'milking' capabilities.)

On another note, the classic tank does detach, it comes out the front of the machine. While the design is a bit odd, it does come out, it's just a hassle. Much easier to pour in water through the top chute.

The stainless is nice and makes it easy to clean. The design is compact. Performance is similar to my Gaggia Coffee although I think the Coffee lacks some valve because I've managed to shoot grounds all over my kitchen several times removing the portafilter without waiting.

The steam wand is less than optimal.... but it's made for someone to foam some milk with no learning curve. If you want better foam you'll have to swap wands- Gaggia makes their "art" wand which is an easy swap out, or switch to an Rancilio wand.

I have the Classic under a counter. I remove the OPV drain down and drip pan, for emptying, and then slide the tank forward until it hits the silicone tubing and pour water into the tank directly from the side. The machine case does not have to move.

I had a Classic for a couple of years. They're pretty much bombproof and a very good starting point for real espresso. The 3 way valve is useful for reducing the remaining water on the puck but it's not wholely effective. I'd look for a good used Classic over a newer machine. You'll save some money and end up with a better machine, and thus better espressos.

It is really hard to come by a used Gaggia Classic here in Czechia. I once saw an ad for one and it wasn't much cheaper than the old one. People are not used to prepare espresso at home, most are pretty happy with instant coffee and a Czech speciality, we call it "ceský turek" = "Czech Turkish" which is prepared like this:

Put some coffee in the cup.

Add boiling water (not all at once).

Often add sugar.

Drink it.

I have nothing against it, but probably get that there aren't many used Gaggias and Rancilios around :)

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